There was a Wartortle that showed up on my radar today, and I walked for 30 minutes trying to track it down! Then the game glitched and I lost it (sorry it's not a photo, but I needed somewhere to convey my frustration)

At the risk of asking a really silly question, how exactly does one play this? I've been hearing a lot about it from numerous sources including here, on the news, and my friends discussing it, but I can't quite work out what the objective is or how to play. I know what Pokemon is, but I never played it so I would say I don't have anything more than a passing familiarity with it (and that comes from listening to my friends who do - or did - play). I'm considering downloading the app/game, but I'd like to know more about it before I commit myself to another electronic-based hobby/habit.

It's very easy to learn how to play! All the game really involves at this point is looking at a map to find Pokemon that might be in your area. When one shows up, you tap on it and "throw" (flick on the screen) a poke ball to catch it. You can then power up and/or evolve your Pokemon to your liking. Everyone has their own goal in the game, wether it be to "Catch them all" or become the strongest trainer in the area - aka being in control of the local gym - but there's no requirement to do that. At its base, it's just a very fun companion app to when you are walking or exploring the area!